The Vine Church TC

During this season of Lent, we'll explore 'The Wilderness.' Today we see Hagar in dire circumstances both seen and cared for by God. We witness the failure of humanity and the graciousness of God.

When asked, "Who is my neighbor?", Jesus told a Jewish audience a parable of a Samaritan hero caring for a wounded man. Jesus invites us to see, love, and care for the marginalized and oppressed.

As we conclude our series on Belong, Believe ,Become we turn our attention the transformational work God is doing in our lives. We look to the Spirit to produce in us love, joy, peace and patience that we might become more like Jesus.

Today we continue to explore our commitment to Belong, Believe, Become. We speak of Belief in a few ways. We discuss a turning point in life in which we come believe, when we place our faith in Jesus. Further we identify what we believe, orthodoxy. Finally, we consider what it looks to embrace belief as a journey as opposed to a destination.

Belong, Believe and Become (in that order) have been a guiding set of values at The Vine. As we look at the biblical narrative, we see how God invites and cultivates belonging with humanity.

Luke records describes two interactions with a common thread. While his disciples and bystanders rebuke and limit access to Jesus, he pauses to see children and a blind man. Further he engages them and offers blessings and healing.

In the midst of a dangerous storm at sea, Jesus slept while his disciples panicked. They woke him, he calmed the storm, and their fear transitioned. 'Who is this, that even the wind and waves obeys him?' Today we explore the disciples' journey towards faith and our own.

Having concluded 2025, we look back at the ways God has been present. In the Examen prayer, we consider how God has been active in our lives.

Having concluded the Christmas season and looking towards new year, we explore the ramifications of Jesus. His birth, life, teachings, death and resurrection have profound impacts on how we might live.

God's love for us is demonstrated in Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection. As Jesus suffered, we too will suffer in this life. We are invited to love as Jesus loved. In resurrection, we will know the love of God fully in a world void of suffering.